Mormonism
The Book of
Mormon vs Doctrine and Covenants
by Jack H. Williams
One of the oddities of the religion of Mormonism is its use of
the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon. While many think the Book of
Mormon is their standard of rule and practice the reality is that there is not a
single peculiar doctrine of Mormonism taught within its pages. Their
organization (President/Prophet, priesthoods, seventies, etc), baptism for the
dead, the "word of wisdom" or any other defining doctrines are totally
absent in the pages of the Book of Mormon. To find these teachings one needs to
consult Doctrine and Covenants, not the Book of Mormon. The Doctrine and
Covenants (according to Mormons) is the record of divine revelations given to
Joseph Smith during his labors as the head of the Mormon church. But a problem
arises when one compares the Book of Mormon with the Doctrine and Covenants.
While both claim to be the product of inspiration from God, they do not
harmonize. The numerous contradictions between the two works testify to the
manmade origin of these works. Lets examine a few of these contradictions.
I. Is Baptism Essential or Not?
- In D&C 20:37 we read "And again, by way of
commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism. All those who
humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized ... and truly
manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ
unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his
church (emphasis mine, JHW).
- Such contradicts not only the Bible, but also the statement
in 3 Nephi 11:33-34 stating the necessity of baptism for remission of sins.
II. Does God Command Monogamy or Polygamy?
- D&C 132 sets forth the controversial doctrine of plural
marriages. The importance of this doctrine is seen in verse 4 when we are
told that if one fails to abide in this covenant, "then are ye damned;
for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my
glory". (Due to the "law of the land" Mormons claimed to have
ceased teaching and practicing polygamy in 1890. This in itself would be a
refusal to obey God even in the face of persecution as did the apostles and
others - Acts 4&5.)
- This teaching directly contradicts Alma 34:32-35 where we
are told "this life is the time for monogamy" as well as Jacob
2:23-27 and 3:5. Verse 27 states "there shall not any man among you
have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none".
III. Did or Didn't Christ Show Himself to Man?
- In D&C 107:53-54 we read of Christ showing Himself to
Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah.
- In Ether 3:13-15 we are told "Behold I am Jesus
Christ. I am the Father and the Son [(?) (JHW)] . . . never have I showed
myself unto man who I have created . . .."
IV. Baptism for the Dead ... Yes or No?
- D&C 124:22ff sets forth the practice of one being
baptized on behalf of one who has previously died.
- This practice directly contradicts Alma 34:32-35 where we
are told "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God"
and that if you "procrastinate" your repentance until death
"ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal
you his...this is the final state of the wicked".
V. Is God Spirit or Flesh and Bones?
- D&C 130:22 tells us that the "Father has a body of
flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also."
- Alma 22:9-11 tells us that God is Spirit. (As noted
earlier, the Book of Mormon contradicts itself on this in Ether 3:9)
While Mormonism makes a great claim of inspiration for the
Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, it is clear that neither book is
able to sustain that claim. They are clearly the work of men and thus have the
errors which men have made.
Mormonism - Book of Mormon Against Itself by Jack H. Williams © 2002
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